The council's Carer Support Team laid on the festive feast at the Claregate pub on Monday, with carers invited to book on a first come, first served basis.

A total of 60 carers and their loved ones savoured a menu of soup, prawn cocktail or pate followed by turkey with all the trimmings, beef pie or cod, and a dessert of Christmas pudding, chocolate tart or orchard pie. They also enjoyed musical entertainment from Maggie O'Hara who performed a range of Christmas songs.

The meal was arranged by the Carer Support Team and among those who took part were Colleen Bernard, who carers for her brother Stephen. She said: "It's been a great opportunity to talk to other carers and start the festive season off with a lovely meal and entertainment."

Pearl Mettam, who lives with dementia and is cared for by her daughter Shareen, said: "I would like to say thank you so much for the lovely meal. It was good to speak to others; I even met someone that I used to work with 30 years ago."

Michael Degg, who is cared for by his mother June and was celebrating his birthday, added: "Maggie is an amazing singer and it was nice of her to sing happy birthday to me as well."

The group were joined by the council's Community Support Manager Lesley Johnson, Head of Adult Services and Communities Sandra Ashton-Jones, Information Officer Melinder Kaur and Director of Adult Services David Watts.

Mr Watts said: "We were delighted to be able to enable so many well deserving carers and the people they care for to enjoy a special festive lunch. It was our way of saying thank you to them for the hugely important role they play, day in and day out."

The Carer Support Team offers a range of services for people who care for a friend, relative or neighbour in Wolverhampton, ensuring they are supported in their caring role, have access to the help they need and are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

They provide practical information, guidance and advice on a range of matters including benefits and short breaks for carers, and offer a range of other services including carer assessments, the Carers Emergency Card and training in skills such as first aid.

For more information about the Carer Support Team, please call 01902 553409, visit Type=articles;Articleid=2713;Title=;, email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk or follow @WolvesCarers on Twitter.

Drop in sessions take place at Central Library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to noon and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 4.30pm, and appointments for assessments can also be made outside of these times.